McConnell Praises Passage of National Defense Legislation with Major Kentucky Wins

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) praised Senate passage of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding to train and equip America's 21st-century military to meet evolving security threats. The bill includes authorization of critical investments secured by Senator McConnell for Kentucky's military installations and other key defense priorities. With this legislation now on its way to President Trump for his signature, the priorities articulated in the NDAA now depend on passage of full-year defense appropriations.

"Passage of this legislation positions our servicemembers stationed in Kentucky to receive the equipment, training, and resources they need to address the threats facing our nation," said Senator McConnell. "Representing the men and women of the Armed Forces serving in Kentucky is one of my greatest privileges. We owe a special obligation to those who volunteer to serve our country in uniform, and I will continue to support them in the United States Senate."

Blue Grass Army Depot
Senator McConnell, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, secured a key provision that safeguards the future of Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) in Madison County. This legislation protects BGAD and other military installations from being closed by the Department of Defense without Congressional notification and a full evaluation of local and strategic consequences. It also requires the Secretary of the Army to provide Congress with an annual report on BGAD and other installations - arsenals, depots and ammunition plants - referred to as the Army's Organic Industrial Base (OIB).

Senator McConnell also secured measures that encourage the Department of Defense to bring new missions to BGAD. These measures direct the Secretary of Defense to study the feasibility of expanding domestic propellant production and support the establishment of an additional artillery munition production line within the Army's OIB.

"For years, I've worked with local leaders to complete the chemical weapons disposal mission at BGAD," said Senator McConnell. "Now that the mission is complete, we're focused on building a new future for the Depot-expanding its world-class facilities and unlocking new economic opportunities for Central Kentucky. With the NDAA's passage, the Army is now positioned to help shape that future mission."

"Senator Mitch McConnell's leadership has once again delivered real results for Madison County and for our nation's defense. Throughout the NDAA process, Senator McConnell championed measures that not only protect Blue Grass Army Depot from closure, but actively encourage the Department of Defense to expand propellant manufacturing and artillery munition production right here at BGAD. This is exactly the kind of forward-looking investment we have been advocating for during my tenure-one that strengthens national security while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs for our community. I am grateful to Senator McConnell and our federal delegation for their continued partnership and commitment to protecting and growing this critical Madison County asset," said Madison County Judge Executive Reagan Taylor.

Additional Kentucky Priorities in the NDAA
Senator McConnell also secured several provisions throughout the NDAA process that support the Commonwealth's role as a cornerstone of America's national defense:

• Authorization for a new $45 million air traffic control tower at Fort Campbell, replacing the aging existing structure.
• Support for the Army's procurement of advanced Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net Systems.
• Encouragement for the potential use of the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System to defend Air Force bases.

Support to our Nation's Servicemembers and U.S. National Security NDAA
In addition to these Kentucky-specific victories, the NDAA also authorizes the following provisions to support our service members and to deter American adversaries:

• Authorization of a well-deserved 3.8% pay raise for service members.
• Overhauls the defense acquisition bureaucracy to speed support defense innovation and accelerate the Defense Department's procurement of critical weapon systems and munitions.
• Reauthorizes the Ukraine Security Initiative and formally authorizes the Baltic Security Initiative.
• Prohibits the drawdown of American forces in Europe and South Korea below certain levels and reinforces U.S. defense partnerships with Taiwan, the Philippines, and Israel.

Senator McConnell concluded: "Like every year, I'm proud to support a defense authorization that shapes U.S. national security priorities and strengthens Kentucky as a home to servicemembers and the defense industrial base. But if Congress wants to make good on these commitments, we have to invest accordingly. As chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I've been proud to lead the legislation that would grow our investments in the military. Now, in the face of aligned and growing threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, we need to deliver a full-year defense appropriations bill to fulfill the promises of this NDAA."

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